Winter review: Best and worst of Astros’ off-season acquisitions

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After our pre-season review for the past few weeks (thanks Brian and Dan), here’s one more look back before moving into spring training mode. For the most part, GM Jeff Luhnow is still on the honeymoon with Astros’ fans, who have generally given him the benefit of the doubt as he endeavors to re-build an organization that may not yet have hit the bottom.

Still, the natives will grow more and more restless in 2013 if there isn’t some semblance of improvement. Sure, the Astros will likely lose plenty of games this season, but if draft picks progress through the ranks, if some of the other acquisitions appear to be panning out, if Bo Porter has a handle on the progression, it’s probable Luhnow would continue to get passing grades. Or at least, an extension to the benefit of the doubt.

Other than releasing players like Fernando Abad, Matt Downs, Jordan Schafer and others while moving some prospects onto the 40-man roster, Luhnow made a dozen or so moves to re-shape the roster since the World Series. Here are my picks for the best three off-season moves:

Adds two players who could arguably make the 25-man roster even if the Rule 5 status didn’t demand it. Freiman’s chances may have taken a hit with the Chris Carter addition, though. The Astros didn’t give up anything getting these two, unless they want to send either player down during the season.

Rasmussen would probably be little more than a bullpen guy. Ely, on the other hand, may be ready for the rotation in spring training. He finally caught on at AAA last season, turning in a 3.20 ERA, 1.103 WHIP and 4.58 K/BB ratio last season. If he doesn’t break camp with the team, he could certainly be one of the first up in case of injury, trade or under-performance.

Oh yeah, some of you believe this belongs in the “worst” category, but Luhnow actually dealt from the deepest position in the organization although the real SS talent may be a few years away. Sure, trading Lowrie could be deemed as a gamble, but it’s a gamble that Luhnow could easily win. Since the SS has never played more than 97 games in a season, it’s easy to conclude Lowrie’s value is at its highest. Carter and Peacock (#10 Astros’ prospect) could actually factor into the lineup this season and Stassi is a top prospect. Of course, the gamble could backfire if Carter and Peacock fizzle..

Now, the picks for the worst moves of the off-season.

1. December 17: Signed free agent DH/1B Carlos Pena.

This one doesn’t need much explanation or defense and will likely be at the top of anyone’s “worst moves” list. Pena is a Dave Kingman and Tony Clark clone who hits for Mendoza-like averages while providing some pop and production. But he’s not hitting in the Tampa Bay lineup that provided protection along the way. He now will be completely exposed in a lineup with few, if any, places to hide.

2. December 21: Signed free agent Jose Veras.

This one is another head scratcher. Wilton Lopez would seem to have been a better option and about $200,000 cheaper. Veras has five saves in his career while serving on five different teams in the past five years. Basically, there is no safety net if Veras fails. Unless the Astros move a starter into the role (Norris? Cosart?)

3. December 17: Signed free agent DH/1B Carlos Pena.

Unfortunately, this one warrants two spots on the list. Perhaps Luhnow will explain the acquisition at some point and perhaps we’ll all be surprised (not likely), but it seems the low-budget Astros could have used the $2.9 million salary better. If Bud Norris is traded, Pena will be the highest paid Astro.

3a. December 4: Traded Wilton Lopez to Colorado for Alex White, Alex Gillingham and a player to be named later.

Part of me wants to include this on the “best” list since White could turn into a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, but can’t get past the contributions that Lopez has made. He’s the epitome of consistency and most would quickly take him over Veras in the closer role. High K/low walk guy with one of the best WHIPs of any recent Astros’ pitcher. Sure, Lopez may falter in the Colorado environment and White may not regain the form he had in Cleveland’s system, but this could be one Luhnow missed on.

For reference, here’s a list of the acquisitions Luhnow has made since November 1. How would you rank the best and worst Luhnow acquisitions over the winter?